The Role of Crime Scene Investigation in Counterterrorism Operations in a Hybrid Operational Environment

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine how crime scene investigation can be integrated into the complex, multi-agency framework of counter-terrorism operations during the management of large-scale or multi-site incidents following terrorist attacks. The research applies a qualitative methodology based on the comparative analysis of international operational procedures, in particular Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), Radiological Crime Scene Management (RCSM), and the application of Weapon Intelligence Teams (WIT).

The study is based on the hypothesis that the management of situations following mass-casualty crimes posing a threat to national security – particularly terrorist acts – constitutes a resource-intensive and complex task, in which traditional forensic tools alone are not sufficient for effective operational execution. According to the authors, the operational logic of the examined procedures is based on the principles of mission command. Within the command and control (C2) system, these models are based on the primacy of the commander’s intent, decentralization of execution, and the delegation of responsibilities, thereby enabling parallel task execution, ensuring professional autonomy, and facilitating adaptation to a dynamically changing operational environment.

The study concludes that, within counter-terrorism operations, the crime scene investigation process is not an isolated activity but an integrated component of a complex operational system, in which leadership, procedures, and personnel function in an integrated and coordinated manner.